Speaking with the Future, Part II

Speaking with the Future, Part II

More perspectives from the next generation of advocates

GUEST BIO:

Sasha (age 18) and Andrew (age 17) are youth advocates and the children of AHF employees. Andrew is a student at McKinley Technology High School in Washington, DC, while Sasha will attend Ohio University in 2023, studying early childhood education.

Tracy Jones is the National Director of Mobilization Campaigns for AHF. Rebecca Strong is the Associate Director of Advocacy in Washington, D.C. 

John Hassell is the National Director of Advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Simpson Huggins is the Northern Affiliate Regional Finance Director.

Laila Goring is a pharmacy sales representative at AHF.

CORE TOPICS + DETAILS:

[4:41] - The Big 3

Top advocacy issues according to our youth guests

Sasha and Andrew list reproductive rights, racial inequity, and climate change as the top issues facing our nation today. Now the question lies in how we can convince the next generation to get involved in helping combat these issues, because the truth is that they’ll be the ones bearing the brunt of their impact in the future.

[8:34] - Bridging Generations

A complex relationship from one era to the next

Ask Andrew and Sasha about whether the previous generation understands their needs and concerns, and the answer is complicated. On one hand, youth often find that the previous generations actively dismiss some of their concerns. On the other hand, they often find that, even if sometimes misguided, their elders at least make an effort to support their needs. 

[19:13] - Making Children Safe

Candid discussions on gun violence

On the federal level, both Andrew and Sasha feel that legislation needs to be enacted that addresses gun violence head-on. On the local level, schools can only do so much. Security guards can help, but what psychological effects does an armed guard have on young elementary school children? These are the questions that no young person should be facing.

[29:25] - Answering Tough Questions from the Next Generation

When the parents have to listen & learn

Once we’re joined by some of AHF’s adult members, including parents of our two youth guests, the perspective shifts. Our guests share the way that even they have had to evolve and educate themselves in order to be true allies— becoming familiar with non-binary terms, pronouns, etc. Adults have to be willing to be taught by children, a role we’re often not naturally equipped to handle.

[36:11] - Lessons from the Back Seat

A powerful metaphor on cross-generational connection

John Hassell shares a striking analogy about the importance of intergenerational communication, relating it to when he’s driving with his son in the backseat. “I'm in the front seat just trying to get from point A to point B in really difficult traffic. Andrew's in the back opening up about an issue that's really important to him, what's going on in his life, what happened in his past, or what the future may look like…Maybe move over to the side of the road and listen to what you’re talking about.”

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ABOUT AFTER HOURS:

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the world’s largest HIV/AIDS service organization, operating in 45 countries globally. The mission? Providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy for everyone, regardless of ability to pay.

The After Hours podcast is an official podcast of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, in which host Lauren Hogan is joined by experts in a range of fields to educate, inform, and inspire listeners on topics that go far beyond medical information